Satellites and subsystems > Attitude > Attitude actuators > Reaction wheels > Reaction Wheel // WHL-500
Key highlights
Space Inventor presents high-performance reaction wheel units, meticulously designed for microsatellite missions with mission lifetimes of up to 5 years. These units feature an integrated 3-phase outrunner permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) equipped with fully integrated motor control electronics and software, ensuring seamless and efficient satellite attitude control.
The rotor is precisely suspended between two hybrid ceramic high-precision bearings, ensuring longevity and low friction in vacuum conditions. Each wheel operates autonomously with an internal microcontroller, controlling momentum and torque based on onboard computer commands.
Each wheel also includes a redundant CAN bus interface for seamless integration into the satellite communication network via CSP and basic telemetry sensors (temperature, current, speed).
For comprehensive three-axis control, we recommend a reaction wheel assembly with four powerful reaction wheels arranged in a classic configuration. These 500 and 1000 Nms reaction wheels prioritize reliability through redundant stator windings and driver electronics.
Our reaction wheel assembly is engineered with advanced materials and design:
The body is constructed from Al-6061-T6 for strength | The rotor is made of ferritic stainless steel for durability, and Neodymium magnets enhance magnetic properties
Key features
Performance
Max nominal RPM: 7.200 @ 28V
Momentum of: 500 mNms @ 7.200 RPM
Max Torque: 50 mNm (up to 100 mNm)
Control: Speed, torque
Physical
Size: 97 x 97 x 40 mm
Mass: 800 g
Rotor inertia: 662 E-6 kg m
Operating temperature range: -20ºC to 60ºC
Stainless steel rotor: Aluminium motor housing
Interface
Redundant: CAN
Voltage
Nominal: 20-35V for 5000 mNms
Operating voltage range: 20-35 V
Power Consumption
2 W at 200 mNms
6 W at 500 mNms
8 W at 175 mNms + 10 mNm
14 W at 380 mNms + 10 mNm
67 W at 138 mNms + 47 mNm
Reliability
Long life brushless motor design
Redundant windings and drive stage
Hybrid ball bearings
Radiation total dose tested EEE parts
Vibration rated for all launch vehicles
5 years design lifetime
Manufacturing
Supplier in-house facilities:
- Maker Lab (for prototypes, tool-making etc.)
- Production Labs
Testing & qualification
Supplier in-house facilities:
- Test Lab
- Cleanrooms for integration, test and checkout of complete satellites and flight hardware in general
- Climate chamber, vacuum, and shaker for environmental tests
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Last updated: 2025-04-09
Technical specs
6 W at 500 mNms
8 W at 175 mNms + 10 mNm
14 W at 380 mNms + 10 mNm
67 W at 138 mNms + 47 mNm
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